Stress-Induced Gastric Lesions in Mice

Abstract

Groups of light (13-21 gm.) and heavier (22-30 gm.) mice were subdivided and either immobilized for 48 hr. (Experimental) or just food deprived for the same period (Control). The stomachs were removed, food contents noted, and the gastric tissue was examined for lesions and rated for the severity of pathology Experimental and control Ss differed significantly only with respect to the amount of food contained in the stomach and not with respect to the rated severity of the gastric lesion; a decrease in the severity of gastric pathology and a lowered incidence of gastric pathology emerged as a function of increased weight and food retention. It was apparent that immobilization-induced stress contributed little more to the incidence and severity of gastric lesions in mice than did food deprivation alone.